Student Spotlight: Pursuing Big Dreams Through Personalized Learning

Evalet has always been ambitious, with a clear passion for pursuing her dreams and goals.

As she approached eighth grade, she knew she wanted an educational environment that would support her ambitions, allow her to create a schedule that worked for her, and give her the flexibility to excel academically while exploring her interests. That search led her to Visions’ Home School Academy.

“I loved the idea of being able to work and do whatever extracurriculars I wanted while getting ahead in school.”

Now a junior in Visions’ University Prep Early College Academy, Evalet is reflecting on her high school journey and looking ahead to the many possibilities awaiting her after graduation. From competitive athletics and student leadership to exploring her passions for business and the performing arts, she has embraced the opportunities to shape an educational experience that aligns with her goals.

Education That Opens Doors

Throughout her years as a Visionary, one of Evalet’s favorite aspects of Visions has been the ability to personalize her learning schedule. The flexibility of independent learning has allowed her to stay ahead on homework and academic goals while making time for competitive volleyball tournaments and other extracurricular activities.

Although she has completed much of her schoolwork independently, Evalet appreciates knowing she can turn to her teachers and counselor for support whenever she needs it. “Anytime I need to reach out I know I can.”

Beyond academics, she has made the most of opportunities to connect with the Visions community through student clubs and school events. She participates in Visions Volleyball, Flag Football, Newspaper, and Spoken Word Poetry Club, giving her opportunities to explore different interests and get involved beyond the classroom.

One of her most impactful experiences has been participating in Future Business Leaders Club. Through the club, Evalet has had opportunities to compete in business and entrepreneurship competitions across the country. Over the last two years, she has competed at the national level twice, and last year she and her partner placed on the podium at a Junior Achievement competition. 

She has also enjoyed attending school dances, baseball games, and other events that have helped her stay connected to the Visions community.

Reflecting on her experience, Evalet encourages other students to take ownership of their education and embrace the opportunities available to them.

“Visions is an amazing school, truly, but you will not succeed unless you want to. Believe in yourself, put yourself out there, be open, true and honest. That’s the biggest piece of advice I could give to someone coming into the homeschool/charter school environment.”

Finding Time for Family, Athletics and the Outdoors

Outside of school, Evalet’s life revolves around the people and activities she loves most, including volleyball, horses, her family, and her boyfriend.

“A lot of my time is taken up not by just my competitive sport but my siblings’ sports as well. I spend a large portion of my time with the people I love and as much as I can in nature/outside.”

Her journey into homeschooling also helped open the door to new opportunities in competitive volleyball. When her family began exploring alternative educational options in eighth grade, they also researched opportunities for her to continue pursuing the sport. That search ultimately led Evalet to Sacramento Performance Volleyball Club (SPVC), where she began competing.

“If it were not for Visions I never would have found club volleyball,” she explained.

For Evalet, the flexibility of her education has made it possible to pursue her academic goals while continuing to dedicate time to competitive sports, family, and the experiences that matter most to her.

From the Stage to the Farm: A Future Full of Possibilities

Evalet has dreamed of becoming a singer, actress, and model since she was a little girl. She has already taken steps toward making those ambitions a reality by attending Barbizon Modeling and Acting School and performing in a showcase in New York with the International Modeling & Talent Association (IMTA), where she signed with an agency. As she gets older, she hopes to continue building her experience and find more opportunities to work in the industry.

Alongside her creative ambitions, Evalet plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship, giving her another avenue to explore her interests and prepare for the future.

Her long-term goals are also deeply connected to her upbringing. Growing up on a farm, she spent much of her time around animals, an experience that has helped shape her interests and aspirations. “I think this served as a large part of my development,” she shared.

Of all the animals she grew up around, horses have always been her favorite. Looking ahead, Evalet is considering a future in which she can combine her love of animals with her entrepreneurial interests by owning and operating a farm.

Whether she is pursuing opportunities in the performing arts, building her business knowledge, or planning a future surrounded by animals and the outdoors, Evalet is continuing to explore the many paths available to her. With graduation on the horizon, she is carrying forward the ambition, independence, and passion that have guided her throughout her time as a Visionary.